Programs

Family Gardens

In the Sahara Desert of western Algeria where temperatures can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit, water is scarce, and little can grow, there survives a people: the people of Western Sahara, who have been refugees since 1975.

Against all odds, they have survived on sorely-efficient humanitarian aid rations. But thanks to one Western Sahara man’s dream, the Desert is beginning to bloom with fruits and vegetables– necessities for health for the nearly 200,000 children and families living in the refugee camps. This Saharawi had the opportunity to study agriculture and brought his talents back to the camps. With the right materials, he soon found he could grow a great variety of fruits and vegetables year-round.

Some refugees can now plant small family gardens using small green houses, a simple drip irrigation system, and protective netting. This provides great hope for families, as they are able to reap important nutrients for themselves now and in their future. Moringa trees are included in each family garden because of their high nutritional value.